Hintonia latiflora

Flowers of Hintonia latiflora

Hintonia latiflora is a species within the family of Rubiaceae ( Rubiaceae ). It is in large parts of Central and South America, especially in Mexico and Guatemala spread .. Trivial names are Copalchi or Mexican cattle fever tree. The use in teas is in their home has long been among the indigenous population used and recognized since the 19th century in Europe, especially in Spain and in Germany. In folk medicine, the countries of origin Hintonia latiflora has a long tradition as a tea beverage.

Description

Hintonia latiflora grows as a shrub or small tree, reaching heights of growth of up to 5 meters. The oppositely arranged leaves are constantly short-stalked. The leaf blade is at a length of 4 to 12 cm and a width of 2.5 to 5 cm oval to elliptical with narrowed Spreitenbasis.

The terminal inflorescence is many flowered. The relatively large, fragrant, white flowers have a striking funnel shape. The flowers have a sixfold Kelchsaum with six lanceolate lobes. The ovary is zweifächerig. The capsule fruit is Rippig, bald, with numerous seeds with membranous wings in each subject, which have a length of 2 to 2.5 cm.

Taxonomy

Synonyms for Hintonia latiflora ( Sessé & Moc. Ex DC. ) Bullock Portlandia pterosperma S.Watson and Coutarea pterosperma ( S.Watson ) Standlschmaus ..

Origin

The natural habitat of Hintonia latiflora are tropical, seasonally dry deciduous thorn forests or on slopes of the Sierra Madre Occidental. Dried pieces of bark for making tea come from controlled wild collection, the main supplier country is Mexico, in addition, the plant occurs in wide parts of Central and South America.

Distortions and confusion

The etymological origin of the word " Copalchi " comes from the Aztec language Nahuatl, the root word " Copal " generally stands for resin- leading barks of different origin. So knows the South American folk medicine as " Copalchi " -providing species besides Hintonia latiflora also Exostema caribaeum, Coutarea hexandra (both from the family of Rubiaceae ) and Croton niveus. The latter species is a Euphorbiaceae, which has a significantly different pattern of secondary plant substances. Other Croton species such as Croton cajucata a liver toxic potential is said. Confusion of Hintonia with Croton are therefore to be avoided. Since Hintoniarinde is marketed mostly under the non-specific name Copalchi, an origin of the plant material from controlled collection against the backdrop of the possibility of confusion is essential.

Phytochemicals

Hintonia latiflora contains high amount of polyphenols, mainly Neoflavone and their glycosides (eg Coutareagenin ), quercetin and phenolic acids.

The Hintonia reputed health benefits is associated with acting as powerful antioxidants polyphenols (Bio- flavonoids). Flavonoids and other polyphenols protect body cells against free radicals and slow cell oxidation. With the food supplied polyphenols assist with regular dietary intake important body functions such as the immune system. For the Neoflavone from Hintonia, especially the Coutareagenin, a positive effect on the physiological control of blood sugar budget has been experimentally derived.

Use

The use of Hintonia as food in the form of a health-promoting beverage has in the countries of origin of the plant has a long tradition, with Hintonia tea is reputed to improve health and vitality. To this end, about 1 tablespoon dried bark Hintonia be doused with a liter of boiling water and spread after about 5 minutes throughout the day, drunk especially after meals.

Hintonia latiflora found in Central and South America both as a popular food as well as remedy ( home remedies ) for fever, as a tonic and for the dietary improvement in blood glucose household use. In Mexico, " Copalchi barks " are used to reduce fever in malaria, as well as roborant used in dyspeptic complaints. The use in herbal teas during convalescence or commonly known as health-promoting measure because of the contained plant polyphenols is widespread.

In Europe since the beginning of the 19th century preparations of Hintonia latiflora as a tea to maintain health and supportive used to stabilize physiological blood glucose levels. About the Hintonia plant and their preparations there is a centuries-old experience and knowledge. In Germany, the use has been documented for more than 50 years ago. As a daily beverage for a healthy sugar metabolism drinking several cups Hintonia tea throughout the day is recommended in monographs. The effect of Hintoniazubereitung about the basic setting of type II diabetics also has not been studied interventional, open, single-center clinical trial in a. After 18 months service all the values ​​of glycemic control were improved. Hintonia could thus contribute in fact as a dietary measure to stabilize the diabetic default.